Red sided garter Snake
Live Animals Are Click and Collect Only
Please note that we do not ship live animals. You can order online and collect in store.
Red-Sided Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis) Care Sheet
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Red-Sided Garter Snake |
| Scientific Name | Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis |
| Origin | North America (Canada, Northern USA) |
| Adult Size | 60–90 cm |
| Lifespan | 8–12 years in captivity |
| Activity | Diurnal, terrestrial / semi-aquatic predator |
Behavior
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Generally calm and active; can be handled with care.
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Diurnal hunter; enjoys exploring both land and shallow water areas.
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Can be social; juveniles may be more skittish than adults.
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Good beginner-friendly snake, but requires clean water and proper diet.
Enclosure Requirements
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Tank Size: Minimum 80–120 liters for a single adult
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Substrate: Aspen shavings, coconut fiber, or reptile-safe soil; paper towels work for easy cleaning
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Decor: Rocks, logs, plants, and hides; shallow water dish for soaking
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Humidity: 40–60%
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Temperature:
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Basking / warm spot: 28–30°C
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Ambient: 24–26°C
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Night: 20–22°C
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Lighting: Indirect light; UVB optional but beneficial for vitamin D3 synthesis
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Ventilation: Moderate airflow
Compatibility
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Can be housed in small groups if space is sufficient and feeding is supervised.
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Avoid housing with aggressive species or other snake types prone to bullying.
Diet
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Carnivorous; feeds on:
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Earthworms
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Fish (guppies, thawed feeder fish)
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Small rodents occasionally for adults
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Insects like crickets
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Feed juveniles every 2–3 days; adults 4–5× per week
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Provide fresh water daily; snakes enjoy soaking
Care Tips
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Maintain clean water and hygiene to prevent bacterial infections.
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Provide hiding places and shallow water for comfort and stress reduction.
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Monitor for signs of illness such as refusal to eat, mites, or respiratory issues.
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Handle gently and regularly to build tolerance.
Breeding
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Ovoviviparous; females give birth to live young (10–40 per litter).
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Gestation requires cooler periods (~12–16°C) to stimulate reproduction.
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Juveniles are independent from birth and require appropriately sized food.
Visual Quick Guide
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🏠 Enclosure: ≥80–120 L, hides, water dish, shallow soaking area
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🌡️ Temp: Basking 28–30°C / Ambient 24–26°C / Night 20–22°C
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💧 Humidity: 40–60%
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🍴 Diet: Carnivorous (earthworms, fish, insects, occasional rodents)
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🕒 Activity: Diurnal, terrestrial / semi-aquatic
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⚠️ Stress: Provide hides, water, and gentle handling
Please note: We don't ship live animals. You can order online and choose click and collect, and we will hold it for you.
